Genset shuts down

[steve11669]

Onan 6500 diesel, 2004 vintage with 4000 hours: recently, it's started shuting down after running 20 mins or more. Sometimes it stays running like it should until I shut it down.

Oil and coolant levels are good. It doesn't appear overheated. ????

[JFXG]

Simple, silly questions first:
-- fuel quantity?
-- Last fuel filter change?


John & Diane, fulltiming since '12
'02 DS, FL, Cat, '04 Element
NHSO RVM103

[steve11669]

I found a buch of info on my (the above post) and I think I now know the resolution. I learned how to read the problem code on the genset which indicates my problem. I then found some posts from guys who fixed their rigs and wrote about the experiences.

I'm going to tackle the project myself. By the way, the problem appears to be a coolant sensor which is a small issue. However, having to get the gen out to replace the sensor is a large issue.

[dvmweb]

Good luck.


2013 FleetWood Expedition 38B
2015 Fiat 500 Pop stick

[okcnewbie]

Can you bypass the sensor to verify it's the problem? You could keep track of the engine/exhaust temp with an IR thermometer.

[steve11669]

Originally Posted by okcnewbie

Can you bypass the sensor to verify it's the problem? You could keep track of the engine/exhaust temp with an IR thermometer.

I don't know if I could bypass the sensor...but first of all, the gen is not on a slide so I'll have to lower the gen out to get to the sensor. By that time, I think I'll install a new sensor and do other preventive maintenance. Belt, and the other 1000 hour service items.

[steve11669]

Update...

I replaced the coolant sensor ($12.) Which solved my problem. The gen not only does not shut down any longer but also starts quicker. Easy to change after dropping the gen out of it's mounting in the front of the MH. That was the hard part!

While I had it open, i changed hoses and a belt of coarse.

Thanks for the help with advice!!!

[USMCRET]

How big of a job is it to lower the genset?

[steve11669]

Originally Posted by USMCRET

How big of a job is it to lower the genset?

Good question because I anticipated it was going to be difficult but turned out to be very manageable.

This is how I did it and will do it next time:

Disconnect everything from the gen such as fuel and wiring connections. With full (normal) airbags and stabilizer rams in the stowed position (retracted), I stacked wood blocks up to the bottom of the levelor rams. I positioned a floor jack AND a furniture dolly (4 wheels, wooden frame) below the generator. Raise the floor jack to contact the center of the generator mass. (Place a piece of plywood between the jack and gen to distribte the weight),

With 1 or 2 helpers, unbolt the 4 bolts which attach the generator to the MH frame. Lower the floorjack and rest the rear of the gen on the furnture dolly.

Now raise the front of the MH with the 2 front leveler rams until there's clearance to roll the gen out on the wheels of tbe floor nack and furniture dolly.

Reverse this process to install the gen. I am not afraid to do it again and service the belt and hoses every 1000 hours.

There's a very accessable water pump but I took it off and the bearing was smooth so I didnt change it. $182 from cummings is stupid. The pump has metal fins, not plastic so the fins are not a concern.

For those "men" who are about to add a reply that this is risky, dangerous, crazy, not adviseable, or against your mother's advice, ignore this and go read a post on how to change a lightbulb and pay a shop to do this simple job for you. You might break a fingernail!

[steve11669]

By tbe way, it's a 7500 watt not 6500 as I first wrote and weighs 400 pounds.

[JohnRR]

Thank you for the update.